Chapter Text
Lisa Swain’s phone rang for the second time after having been snoozed. She gave up on a long lie in and rolled back over to see who it was. “Well, well, well,” she answered. “If it isn’t the prodigal daughter.”
“I have no idea what that means but if you’re asking if I’m back, I am,” replied the female caller. “Did you miss me?”
“Erm, give me a sec,” Lisa teased.
“Give you a sec? Like ‘eck. I know I was well missed, your life probably hasn’t been the same,” laughed Kelsey. “Have no fear, your favourite sister in law has returned.”
“Mhmm, how was your trip?” asked Lisa, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“Yeah, was good. I think it was just what I needed. Felt my feelings, let my anger go, found the clarity and all that,” she replied, repeating some of the key phrases her therapist had said. “‘Course, the mountains, sunshine and pretty ladies helped also.”
Lisa sat up in her bed, wondering if a trip away would help with her feelings and grief after losing her wife, Becky. “That’s good Kels, I’m glad you found what you needed. Back to it then?”
“Yeah, well, that’s kind of why I’m calling,” Kels paused, waiting to see if there’d be an interruption. “Remember that job posting you sent me, before I left, for the Detective Constable?”
“Oh yeah, are you going to apply for it? Because, honestly Kels, you might be a little late. I think that’s been filled already.”
“It has. Turns out, while I was being a right cow, I did have the sense to apply for it when you mentioned it. They called while I was away and offered me the job, so I’ve come back slightly earlier so I can start at the end of the month,” she explained.
“Oh, that’s amazing. So you’ll be here in a couple of days then?” asked Lisa.
“That’s the plan,” Kels hesitated. “I know when you were trying to help and trying to convince me to take the job, you mentioned being able to stay with you and Bets. I was just wondering if that was still an option? Just until I find a flat.” Kels had been dreading making this call. She hadn’t been handling Becky’s death well and knew that she had taken her grief out on her sister in law. Lisa had tried to be there for her but she was struggling with her own grief and was trying to manage her daughter as well. Kelsey had been down right awful, criticizing Lisa’s choice to jump back into work so soon and her decision to move out of the house she had shared with her sister. Through it all, Lisa had been nothing but kind and compassionate right up until Kelsey left. Hypocritically, she had left the country and was burying her own grief just like she had accused Lisa of.
“Of course it still stands Kels. Betsy’ll be over the moon about you staying with us,” Lisa answered.
“Ah yes, my adorable niece. How’s she been? I’ve only been able to get one worded text from her lately.”
Kelsey heard Lisa sigh before she spoke, “yeah, she’s been alright.”
“Still giving you a hard time?”
“Yeah, unfortunately. Just slagging off college and I’ve caught her drinking a couple times,” she admitted. The strain in her voice obvious.
“I’m sorry Lise, I should’ve been there,” said Kels. The guilt Kelsey carried from how she had treated Lisa was the only thing she couldn’t work through while she was away.
“It’s okay. We were all dealing with something unimaginable,” Lisa offered.
“It’s not okay. I was horrible to you and you didn’t deserve any of it. You were always there for me and I appreciated every second of it, even though I had no tact and didn’t show it. I will make it up to you,” promised Kels.
“Listen, I appreciate your apology but it’s water under the bridge. I’m just glad we’re all doing better,” said Lisa.
“Are you?”
The question hung in the air for a millisecond too long before Lisa answered. “Yeah, I am. Definitely getting there,” she replied. “Anyways, text me the details of your plans and we’ll see you soon, yeah?”
“Yeah, sounds good,” Kelsey answered. “Thanks Lisa.”
About a week later, Kels was pulling up in front of Lisa’s house and they were unloading the boxes from the back of her car.
“So, you start tomorrow then?” Lisa asked, walking up the steps to the house.
“Yeah, front desk duty until I get acclimated,” Kels answered, drawing out the last word and trying to air quote it around the box in her arms.
“Oh, I’m sure it won’t take that long, I can show you around. You’ll get to know everyone pretty fast, trust me. Everyone is oddly interconnected around here.”
“Hmm,” Kels hummed, entering the house.
“Well! Look who the cat dragged in,” smirked Betsy, as she descended the stairs. Kelsey smiled wide and stretched out her arms for a hug as the teenager got closer.
“Betsy Swain, my favourite niece,” Kels teased.
“Give over, I know I’m your only niece,” Betsy rolled her eyes.
“Oi, with your parents? You never know,” she side eyed the younger blonde, nudging her shoulder.
“What? This one?” questioned Betsy, looking at her mum. “She wouldn’t know fun if it came up and kicked her in the bum.”
“Swainy? Oh, clearly you’ve been sheltered from a few stories,” joked Kels.
“Alright, alright, let’s get these boxes in and we can get some take away afterwards, yeah?” suggested Lisa, steering the conversation in a different direction.
Once Kels had somewhat settled in and the take away dishes had been cleaned, she joined Lisa out in the back garden. She handed her another beer and sunk down in the chair beside her, zipping her jacket up around her neck.
“Cheers,” said Lisa.
“Thanks again for letting me stay here for a bit,” said Kels.
“‘Course. You’re always welcome, you know that,” said Lisa. “I like the hair by the way.”
“Oh, thanks. Can’t remember the last time it was this short,” she said, reaching up and touching the ends by her shoulders. “Had to lighten it up and change the colour, every time I walked past a mirror it was like seeing a ghost.”
“Well, they do say blondes have more fun,” smiled Lisa, holding her lager up to cheers. Kels clinked her beer with Lisa’s, smiling.
“Half blonde, but, I would have to agree with them,” she said.
They sat staring into the quiet night sky, letting the silence settle around them. When Becky brought Lisa home to meet Kels, they instantly connected and became fast friends. They bonded over football, even though they cheered for the opposing Manchester teams. Lisa bled blue and Kels red, which put Becky in the middle and she refused to pick sides, always settling on hoping both teams just had fun.
“City and United play tomorrow. I’ll bring the beers, if you’re in?” offered Kels.
Lisa looked at her as if just remembering the rivalry and a big smile crossed her face. “Yeah, alright. I’m in. It’s been awhile since I’ve had someone to watch footie with. Bets refuses and escapes to her room whenever I put it on.”
A twinge of guilt hit Kelsey in the chest but she shoved it down with a sip of beer. “Great, maybe you’ll have smartened up and realized who the better team is.”
Lisa pretended to be offended, “it’s okay to admit you were wrong and to have realized that blue is the only team worth cheering for.” They laughed, both having missed each other’s company. “I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too,” smiled Kels, standing. “Alright, I should get off, big day tomorrow and all.”
“Yeah. You got it. You’ll be great,” offered Lisa.
“Thanks, night.”
“Good night.”